Authors

• Mohammad Taghi Peyvandi, MD
• Hossein Shobiri, MD, MPH
• Sara Amel Farzad, MD

Abstract

Background: The likelihood of transmission of hepatitis C virus through a single skin perforation is 2.7 to 10 percent. The serologic test of “Elisa” is about 99 percent sensitive in detecting hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study is to evaluate the possibility of disease transmission to orthopaedic surgeons or orthopaedic assistants by serologic testing of orthopaedic trauma cases for HCV.Methods: In a one year period (2005-2006), 670 patients who had been admitted to the orthopaedic trauma center of a hospital in Meshhad were tested for HCV by serologic tests with “Elisa” technique.Results: From the 670 tested patients, 22 male and 3 female who had a mean age of 38.7 had positive serology for HCV. This would mean 3.9 percent male and 2.8 percent female prevalence.Conclusions: A worrisome number of patients with orthopaedic trauma are serologically positive for hepatitis C. Protective measures are, therefore, essential for all the people who handle orthopaedic trauma. 

Keywords

• Hepatitis C
• Orthopaedics
• Orthopaedic procedures
• Serology